Olive oil. It’s a product that most of us use every day in one way or another. However, though it’s primarily a staple in our kitchen, it’s also been proven to shower your skin with its many benefits.
First of all, this fruity oil provides not just fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, but also antioxidant properties. This is due to the fact that olive oil contains various phenolic compounds (plant compounds known for their antioxidant effects), which are responsible for making it so beneficial from a nutrient standpoint. Vital for skin health and maintenance, antioxidants go towards safeguarding the skin from free radicals while also protecting against damage to DNA, cell membranes and mitochondria, not to mention oxidative stress (which you can read more about in this article. Oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of the onset of premature dermal aging, which is why antioxidants play such a big part in anti-aging skincare products and routines. Digging further into olive oil’s protective qualities, one particular scientific study showcased olive oil’s potential in relation to cells that trigger cancer formation when applied to the skin post-sun exposure, which is just another reason to look into investing in a bottle.
Aside from being antioxidant-fuelled, olive oil is also known for both its moisturizing and antibacterial qualities. High in oleic acid, and ergo dubbed one of nature’s natural hydrators, olive oil is especially good for those seeking a softer texture for both their hair and skin. Olive oil is an especially effective emollient for people with dry and mature skin. This is because the essential fatty acid content of your skin naturally declines in production with age, which is where fatty acids like squalene in olive oil can step in to help the dermis by sinking in deeply to restore moisture from the inside out. That being said, despite this oil’s many benefits, it has been known to worsen some skin types/conditions. This is mainly due to the oleic acid found in olive oil which, albeit being moisturizing, has been reported by some sources to irritate and clog the pores of those with oily, combination, sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Bottom line: if you have dry or mature skin, give olive oil a whirl. If you have oily, combination, sensitive or acne-prone skin, try with caution if at all. Of course, it goes without saying that if you’re uncertain about using any product you haven’t tried before, do a patch test to ensure dermal compatibility.
In addition to being a potential wrinkle remedy (due to its antioxidant activity), olive oil has also been hailed as a natural scar treatment for the same reasons. In combination with lemon juice, it has been used by some to combat hyperpigmentation as well. Despite its potential downsides when used on certain skin types, the one thing that makes olive oil the true hero of the hour is the fact that it’s so easily incorporated into your diet. Though your skin might disagree with olive oil, its benefits to the rest of your body when ingested have seen it met with immense praise. With monounsaturated fats on its side, olive oil can aid in reducing your levels of LDL (otherwise known as the bad type of cholesterol, which is known to clog arteries). The heart of the Mediterranean diet, virgin olive oil has also been claimed to lower your likelihood of suffering from cardiovascular diseases. In this vein, it’s worth noting that this oil has been said to be capable of boosting the health of your blood vessels. Because the key to good skin lies in blood oxygenation, your complexion relies heavily on the health of your blood vessels, which olive oil can assist with when incorporated into your diet.
If you’ve already got an on-going anti-aging skincare routine under your belt, you may be happy to know that this Mediterranean ingredient plays very well with humectants (moisturizing agents). The key ones include, but are by no means limited to: hyaluronic acid, amino acids and glycerin. Speaking of humectants, one of the reasons why this oil is so talented at treating your dehydrated dermis is that it helps to prevent moisture loss in addition to protecting the skin against various environmental stressors. Together, this results in a marriage made from heaven that combines to fight the hellish trinity of redness, inflammation and irritation (in some skin types).
If you’d like to learn more about antioxidants and their role in anti-aging skincare, read our blog post on What Are Antioxidants?